2 Corinthians 12:5

I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian congregation immediately following a description of a visionary ascent to Paradise, transitioning from a third-party revelation to his own stance on self-reference.

The words — καυχῆσομαι (kauchēsomai) means "I will boast," and ἐμαυτοῦ (emautou) means "myself," structuring the verse around the direct contrast between external marvels and personal self-promotion.

The thread — The explicit rejection of self-exaltation in favor of weakness runs through 2 Corinthians 11:30 and 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God's power is stated to operate through human limitation.

Why it lands — The text first establishes that boasting is restricted to weaknesses rather than extraordinary experiences, then requires readers to measure spiritual credibility against visible conduct instead of unverified claims.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

ὑπὲρhuperConcerning τοῦtou<the>τοιούτουtoioutousuch a man καυχήσομαι,kauchēsomaiI will boast,ὑπὲρhuperconcerning δὲdehowever ἐμαυτοῦemautoumyself οὐounot καυχήσομαιkauchēsomaiI will boast εἰeionly μὴmēexcept ἐνenin ταῖςtaisthe ἀσθενείαιςastheneiaisweaknesses μου·mouof mine;

King James Version

Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

Cross-references

1 Corinthians 2:3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.
2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.